Trump’s Gaza Peace Board: New Initiative Announced

US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” to oversee the next phase of a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. Mr. Trump stated the members of the board will be announced “shortly,” and described it as “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.”

Gaza Peace Plan Enters Second Phase

The creation of the board follows the announcement of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with managing the day-to-day governance of post-war Gaza. This committee will operate under the supervision of the board, which will be chaired by Mr. Trump.

The US-backed Gaza peace plan initially came into effect on October 10, facilitating the return of hostages held by Hamas and a cessation of fighting between the Palestinian militant group and Israel. The plan also calls for the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force to secure Gaza and train Palestinian police units.

Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, said in a statement that “the ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.”

Despite the framework for Israel’s full military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip being included in the plan, no detailed timetable has been announced. Hamas has also not publicly committed to full disarmament, a key demand from Israel.

Mr. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, posted on Truth Social that the US expects Hamas to “comply fully with its obligations.” Mr. Trump shared the post, adding that the transitional government he selects is “unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!”

Mr. Trump stated that, with the support of Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, a “COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarisation Agreement” will be secured with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of all tunnels.

Hamas is preparing to hold internal elections to rebuild its leadership, which has been impacted by Israeli operations during the war in Gaza. That vote is expected “in the first months of 2026,” according to a Hamas leader.

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported that Israeli forces have killed 451 people since the ceasefire ostensibly took effect.